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MINISTER FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PRESENTS INAUGURAL MINISTER’S TEAM AWARDS

For their excellent teamwork and significant contributions to the Ministry, 69 officers from four teams received the inaugural Minister’s Team Award from the Minister for National Development at a ceremony on 6 October 2006.

2. These four teams played an instrumental role in the development of the Marina Bay project, the establishment of the Disease Free Zones to secure Singapore’s food supply, the improvements to Singapore streetscape for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank (IMF/WB) Conference, and in the resolution of the Pulau Tekong land reclamation dispute.

Realizing the Vision for a New Downtown

3. The Marina Bay project is envisioned to be the new downtown of Singapore. Transforming this vision into reality is a team of 34 Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) officers from across different disciplines, working together with other government agencies and partners from the private sector. The team developed many first-of-the-kind and out-of-the-box ideas to attract investment and create excitement. Examples include innovative “White Site” zoning and land sales frameworks for the Business and Financial Centre and the Integrated Resort, and major events like the New Year’s Eve Countdown.

Securing the Supply of Safe Eggs

4. An eight-member team from the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) secured the supply of safe eggs, chicken and ducks for Singapore in the midst of the global bird flu situation. Through close collaboration with its Malaysian counterparts, including carrying out extensive farm inspections, and ground surveys and putting in place multi-layered checks, AVA officers were able to implement risk management strategies successfully and establish Disease Free Zones. These measures have helped to maintain the supply of safe poultry products for Singaporeans.

Garden City Welcome for IMF/WB Delegates

5. To welcome the IMF/WB Conference delegates, a team of 18 National Parks Board (NParks) officers led the way to enhance landscapes in key areas such as the East Coast Parkway, Orchard Road and Suntec City to give the best possible image of our Garden City. A lush, tropical garden impression was created in narrow constricted roadside spaces and within a short space of time. The team also went out of their way to advise other agencies on ways to clean up and beautify the adjourning areas. The result - a long last impression among the delegates and firing up the people’s imagination.

Land Reclamation Working Group

6. The inter-agency Land Reclamation Working Group led by the Ministry of National Development played an important role in the resolution of the Pulau Tekong reclamation dispute with Malaysia. The group of officers, nine of whom came from the Ministry of National Development (MND), URA, Housing & Development Board (HDB), NParks and AVA, displayed special inter-disciplinary co-operation, commitment and professional competence over the course of the discussions. Their efforts helped Singapore to reach an amicable agreement with Malaysia.

The Minister’s Team Award

7. In handing out the inaugural Minister’s Team Awards, Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development said, “The nature of many of our projects requires us to adopt a holistic approach, and our officers from across different agencies and departments to work together as a team. We have many fine examples of such inter-agency projects. This Award is the Ministry’s way of encouraging such collaborations. It recognizes the officers’ ability to rise above their organizational needs, while always bearing in mind the overall strategic interests of Singapore.”

Issued by: Ministry of National Development
Date: 5 October 2006

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Last updated on 6 October 2006